Buffalo Bills center Eric Wood abruptly retires

Absolutely devastating news this week coming out of the city of Buffalo. Bills center Eric Wood has sustained a serious neck injury that will force the veteran offensive lineman to retire. Wood announced the news earlier today via Twitter.

I was diagnosed with a neck injury as part of my season-ending physical with the Bills. After consultation with Dr. Cappuccino and other physicians, I was informed that I was no longer cleared to play football, even with surgery or further treatment.

Eric Wood was the only Bills offensive player to be on the field for every snap during the 2017 season. In a tweet, hhe acknowledged that he will address the injury further at a news conference that will be held on Monday.

I appreciate and thank everyone for their thoughts, concerns and prayers, and I will shed more light on the situation at a press conference on Monday at the team facility.

The 31-year-old has spent his entire career with the Bills. He has started every game he has played (120) after being the Bills’ first-round pick in the 2009 NFL draft out of the University of Louisville (No. 28 overall). He was the 2nd longest-tenured Buffalo Bills player behind DT Kyle Williams active and was a team captain.

A slightly off year for the pivot man, Eric Wood graded out as the 16th best center in the NFL with an overall rating of 68.0. However, he had high quality grades in both run and pass blocking.

Wood signed a two-year contract extension in August 2015 after being selected to his 1st and only Pro Bowl appearance. It was an extension that concludes after the 2019 season. The center has an $8.6 million base salary in 2018. It also includes a $4.8 million insurance policy that is guaranteed specifically for injury.

As for the Buffalo Bills, life without their offensive line stabilizer begins in a quick, shocking, and saddening fashion. Eric Wood had become a fan favorite in Buffalo and he will surely be missed. This is what a bittersweet symphony looks, sounds, and feels like.